The sun shines on the righteous and it certainly did on the day of the third National Rejoin March. 28th September was a day of lovely blue sky weather in the middle of a stream of dreary, often wet days.
15000 people, according to the police, arrived in London to make their feelings known about our relationship with the EU, and their desire to rejoin.
They came from all over the country, and from Europe, to march, carrying placards, boards with slogans, banners and flags, large blue and yellow EU flags. People were chanting that they wanted to rejoin the EU, many wrapped in EU flags. EU colours abounded, and blue berets with yellow stars.
There was a large group from Sheffield for Europe, one carrying their banner with its white rose. A similar banner was on show from Yorkshire for Europe. Banners were there from towns and counties all over the country. Signs saying We love EU were waving.
In spite of the disappointment at the way things are currently proceeding with our EU relationship, the mood was upbeat and optimistic.
The procession seemed endless. Sadly,there were not enough young people. They really have to be brought into the fold; they are desperately needed. But there were some dogs who clearly want to rejoin their chiens, cani, perros and hunde.
Roads were blocked off to keep the traffic out of the way. There was a large police presence who weren’t called upon to enforce the law; no need with such a peaceable happy crowd. They were standing around chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.
People gathered at about 12 noon on Park Lane and the march set off along Picadilly, more people joining as it proceeded. As everyone passed by Downing Street, there was as usual a lot of noise, boos,and jeers. In former times, you could walk casually along Downing Street, but now Downing Street is gated and heavily guarded, a sad reflection of the times we live in.
Gradually, at round about 3, everyone arrived in Parliament Square. There was a massive stage, with a sound system and a huge screen, and lots of speakers were promised. One of them was Madeleina Kay from Sheffield, who spoke of the disappointment caused by Starmer’s apparent refusal to countenance a Youth Mobility scheme, which had been offered by Ursula Von de Leyen. She sounded thoroughly brassed off with Keir.
Another speaker was the always eloquent and ebullient Femi Oluwole, and the indefatigable Steve Bray. Mike Galsworthy, Gina Miller, Terry Reintke, German MEP plus a whole lot more, all spoke rousingly and optimistically.
It was a heartwarming experience to realise there are so many like minded people.
But as always, the march was ignored by the right wing press and the BBC. No wonder one group had dressed themselves as elephants.
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